Good samaritan ends up in court

Lucy Hilton

A GOOD samaritan ended up in court after attempting to rescue a man she believed was about to commit suicide.

Deborah Anderton of Pownall Street, Leigh, pleaded guilty to two charges of being drunk and disorderly and obstructing a constable in the execution of duty.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard how on July 8 at around 10.30pm the defendant contacted police about reports of a suicidal male.

Describing it as a “bizarre case” prosecuting Alan Bakker explained that upon arrival, Anderton was very friendly to the officers, claiming she saw a man walking into a building site at the end of the street.

But the court heard it wasn’t long before her attitude changed.

Mr Bakker said: “I can only put her behaviour down to alcohol.”

He told the magistrates that the police officer told Anderton to wait where she was while he went to investigate.

However, the defendant ignored the advice and proceeded to walk towards the building site.

And when asked to step down she became aggressive and began swearing.

Mr Bakker added: “This turned into a rant and continued on and on in a similar vein.

“During this time, the officers had called for assistance with help to find the man.

“But while they asked her to stand back to calm her, they were subject to further abuse.”

In the end, police couldn’t locate the mystery man despite thorough searches and attempting to get more information from the defendant.

Instead, Anderton continued with the abuse, resulting in her throwing alcohol into one of the officer’s faces.

Defending herself, Anderton told magistrates that she didn’t remember most of the incident because she had drunk so much alcohol.

She added: “I was just being an idiot because of the drink. It will never happen again I promise.”

The 35-year-old was handed a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a total of £250.